Triple tonic for Oxford United (From Oxford Mail)

Triple tonic for Oxford United

8:00am Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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Oxford United’s key trio of Adam Murray, James Constable and Alfie Potter have all progressed well so far this week in their bid to return to the side after injury.

And manager Chris Wilder, while not wanting to count his chickens, is hopeful that most, if not all, could be available for Sunday’s all-ticket game at Tamworth.

“Murray’s trained the last couple of days and took part in what we’ve done, he just needs to build himself up,” said the manager.

“He’s been out for six weeks. We’ve just got to work him a little bit harder so he doesn’t re-injure himself when he comes back.

“Alfie has been working out this week with the conditioner and physio and, fingers crossed, will be training on Thursday and Friday.

“It’s the same for Beano. Contrary to ridiculous reports (on a fans’ forum, suggesting he was out for the season), he’s working himself hard this week, and if there’s no reaction to the work he’s doing with the physio and conditioner, then he’ll be hopeully available to train at the end of the week.”

Wilder is having to be cautious because, with all their injuries – Murray (back), Constable (ankle) and Potter (hamstring) – reactions can occur after returning to more strenuous exercise.

Midfield anchorman Chris Hargreaves should also be back in the fray after his groin injury.

“It shouldn’t go unnoticed that we’ve been without three captains of the team in Hargreaves, Murray and Constable, and, in Alfie, possibly our most skilful attacking player,” Wilder added.

“Yes, we had a bad week last week. But it’s not been a horrendous month, or horrendous three months.

“We’re still doing the same things we were doing a few months ago, and again, contrary to some of the mischief-making nonsense I’ve read, the changing room is as strong as it’s ever been.”

The U’s have sold out of their allocation of 800 terrace tickets for Tamworth.